Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
San Juan, Argentina, blends together a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure, making this worth for every traveller. San Juan is located in an arid landscape surrounded by fertile valleys and towering mountains and has year-round climate advantages. Experiences in culture with the natural terrain as a major player offer various things to do in San Juan Argentina. The tourism in San Juan has roots in its history, indigenous arrangements and traditions still prevailing. Whether relaxation, adventure or an insight into history, San Juan does, in all honesty, emit an unmatchable experience.
Top 15 Things To Do In San Juan Argentina
Here are ten of the best things to do in San Juan Argentina, offering a diverse range of experiences, from breathtaking landscapes to cultural heritage:
1. Visit Ischigualasto Provincial Park
Photo: M.Bustos / Wikimedia Commons
The Ischigualasto Provincial Park, known as the Valley of the Moon, is on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It possesses a peculiarity of rock formations and palaeontological significance. It has among the most complete records of fossils in the world from the Triassic period, more than 200 million years ago. Guided tours explore the prehistoric nature of the area with fossils of some of the earliest dinosaurs ever found. There is also a small museum within the park showing significant findings. Visiting Ischigualasto is one of the best places for nightlife in San Juan, Argentina, to see the stars, with clear, unclouded skies.
Location: J5449 Villa San Agustín, San Juan Province, Argentina
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Argentina
2. Explore El Leoncito National Park
Photo: Sangianense / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the El Leoncito National Park is a protected area in the Calingasta Valley, and one of the best things to do in San Juan with kids. It is famous for being in an almost pristine natural environment with plenty of wildlife and perfect astronomical conditions. Spanning an area of almost 90,000 hectares, it harbours Andean condors, guanacos, foxes, and pumas. Due to being located high in the Andes and in a region of minimal light pollution, the park is an internationally regarded astronomical research site. It features two observatories – the Cesco and the Félix Aguilar Observatories.
Location: s/n, (5405 Avenida Presidente Roca Barreal, San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Tour San Juan’s Wineries
Photo: Nemracc / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
San Juan Province is the second-largest wine-producing region in Argentina and known for its high-altitude vineyards and unique varietals. Mendoza is recognized for Malbec, but San Juan is known for its exceptional Syrah, in addition to other reds, including Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dry climate, plenty of sunshine and rocky soil work perfectly for viticulture. Visitors can tour family-owned and great state wineries, learning how the old and the new do winemaking. Some wineries also focus on organic and biodynamic practices as points of sustainability.
Location: Various
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Argentina
4. Discover Quebrada De Ullum
Photo: EagLau / Wikimedia Commons
Quebrada de Ullum is a natural gorge near the Ullum Dam, showing the rugged beauty of the place along with turquoise waters. The waters of the Ullum Reservoir, created by the dam, are perfect for small water sports activities like kayaking, windsurfing, or even jet skiing. In addition to these activities, the rugged rocky hills and cliffs around operate as hiking or mountain biking destinations. The area around Quebrada de Ullum is a spot where rock climbers and paragliders often flock. The scenery transforms with the sunset, as hues from the setting Sun cast an ominous shadow on the rugged cliffs and waters.
Location: San Juan Province, Argentina
Timings: 24*7
5. Hike In Cerro Mercedario
Photo: WeHaKa / Wikimedia Commons
Cerro Mercedario lies among Argentina’s highest peaks, reaching about 6,770 meters (22,211 feet) in elevation. Nestled in the Cordillera de la Ramada, it attracts experienced mountaineers who prefer a challenging alternative to the crowded Aconcagua. Offers a variety of climbing ascents, from straight-up moderate to all-out technical, for every level of climber. Climbers will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of glaciers, lagoons at high altitude, and secret valleys awaiting discovery. Its wilderness and natural magnificence make it a dream destination for a hardcore mountaineer or a die-hard adventurer.
Location: San Juan Province, Argentina
Timings: Varies
Suggested Read: Celebrate Valentines Day In Argentina
6. Visit The Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Museum
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Museum, located in San Juan City, is the birthplace and former home of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. He is Argentina’s seventh president and one of the key figures in the reform of public education. The museum is a national historic monument and is home to 19th century artifacts, documents, and furniture relating to Sarmiento’s life and work. The museum also offers an introduction to the country’s history during Sarmiento’s time. Colonial architecture is seen in the house with courtyards and traditional adobe walls and well-maintained rooms.
Location: Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Sur 21, J5400 San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
7. Explore Difunta Correa Shrine
Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons
The shrine of Difunta Correa is above all one of the pilgrimage sites in Argentina that has become well-known. It is in reverence to the fabulous Deolinda Correa. She, from popular mythology, perished in the desert while searching for her husband but by mere breastfeeding managed to keep her baby alive. Thus, with time, she became a folk saint, and this shrine was built in her honour. Pilgrims throng the site not leaving behind the bottles of water as gifts to thank for her miracles. The shrine consists of many small chapels filled with plaques, model houses, and other tokens from wounded devotees.
Location: RN141 180, Vallecito, San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Beaches In Argentina
8. Enjoy The Wind Festival
Photo: Newtown grafitti / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Wind Festival is an annual event in San Juan that celebrates the region’s famous Zonda wind. This is a hot, dry wind coming down from the Andes. The festival is held in different places, hosted in outdoor sports and cultural performances and exhibitions. The highlights include a variety of sports with wind influence, including kite flying, windsurfing and land sailing, while paragliders and skydivers join the fray and enjoy the strong gusts. The festival also involves music concerts, regional dances, artisan markets. Visitors can taste local food such as empanadas and asado. Attending this lively and colourful event is one of the best things in San Juan Argentina.
Location: Various
Timings: Varies
9. Go Rafting On The San Juan River
Photo: BLMUtah / Wikimedia Commons
Adventurers, beginners and experienced rafters, have found their haven in rafting on the San Juan River. This river is the perfect venue for all skill levels, boasting the best of placid stretches interspersed with thrilling rapids. Ullum is the most popular segment for rafting, with guides doing trips across its rugged terrain. Its unique features entice rafters with waves, rocky passages, and swirling currents to the melodies of astonishing mountainous backgrounds. A few select routes also include stretches for swimming and pure relaxation.
Location: San Juan Province, Argentina
Timings: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Rosario Argentina For Culture, Nature, And Local Experiences
10. Discover Pampa Del Leoncito
Photo: BugWarp / Wikimedia Commons
El Pampa del Leoncito, found within El Leoncito National Park, consists of a wide dry lakebed. Covering a flatland more than 12 kilometers long, it is famous for its nearly perfectly flat surface and high winds. Sailors race wind-driven vehicles at high speeds across the plain to harness the region’s reliable breezes. The open expanse presents an unbroken terrain, contrasting magnificently against the Andes range. Besides sports, Pampa del Leoncito attracts many visitors for photographs and star gazing. Visiting the park is one of the best things to do in San Juan Argentina, with several trails and wildlife.
Location: San Juan Province, Argentina
Timings: 24*7
11. Visit The San Juan Cathedral
Photo: Bobbsled / Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Cathedral, also called the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, is one of the best things to see in San Juan, Argentina. The grand front, tall columns, and beautiful stained-glass windows of this impressive neoclassical building make it stand out. The cathedral is both a place of prayer and a symbol of how strong the city is because it was rebuilt after the terrible earthquake in 1944. Inside, there are beautiful altars, religious art, and a quiet space that is perfect for thought. The cathedral is the centre of many religious festivals and cultural events in San Juan.
Location: Mendoza Sur 204 & Centro 5400, B. Rivadavia Oeste 46, J5402DFB San Juan, Argentina
Timings: Varies
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Patagonia Argentina
12. Explore The Santiago Graffigna Wine Museum
Photo: David MacSpadden / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Wondering what to do in San Juan, Argentina? The Santiago Graffigna Wine Museum tells an interesting story about the history and culture of making wine in the area. This new, hands-on museum is meant to stimulate all of your senses. It has displays that show how vineyards have changed over time, how wine is made, and how important wine is in local customs. Multimedia displays, historical objects, and even poetic tributes to the vine and wine are what people can look forward to.
Location: Cristóbal Colón Nte. 1342, J5400 San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM (Thursday to Friday)
13. Discover The Historic Ruins Of The Iglesia De San Francisco
Photo: Biruma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the oldest and most historically important churches in San Juan is the Iglesia de San Francisco. A lot of the original building was destroyed in the 1944 earthquake, but the ruins are a moving reminder of the city’s colonial past and architectural history. The site has pieces of adobe walls, arched doorways, and well-preserved items that show how people in early San Juan lived their religious and cultural lives. Exploring the historic ruins of Iglesia De San Francisco, one of the best things to do in Old San Juan.
Location: C. Domingo Faustino Sarmiento 344, J5400 San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Food In Argentina
14. Take A Scenic Drive Along The Ruta Del Vino (Wine Route)
Photo: Laker / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Ruta del Vino, or Wine Route, is among the top places to visit in San Juan, Argentina. This beautiful drive goes through lush vineyards, cute small towns, and dramatic Andean scenery. Travellers can stop at family-run bodegas and big wineries along the way to try local wines, learn about old and new ways to make wine, and eat food from the area. Along the route, you can also meet area winemakers and take part in tours and tastings.
Location: San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 9:30 AM onwards
15. Relax At The Termas De Pismanta
Photo: Thorsten technoman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Termas de Pismanta are natural hot springs that are in the foothills of the Andes, around 180 km from the city of San Juan. People love these thermal baths because the water is full of minerals that are thought to help with health and relaxation. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and places to stay the night at the spot. The Termas de Pismanta are a peaceful getaway from the city, surrounded by dry mountains and clear skies. They are great for relaxing and getting back in touch with nature.
Location: Ruta Nacional 150 / Pismanta, J5467 Iglesia, San Juan, Argentina
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Top Airports In Argentina To Soar High Across The Landscape
San Juan, Argentina guarantees a unique and enriching experience whether you are walking through spectacular landscapes or soaking in history and folklore. Things to do in San Juan Argentina range from extreme sports to peaceful stargazing, catering to every type of traveller. To get the best out of your trip, plan ahead, and seek hidden gems that lie outside the tourist spots. Book with TripXL to receive exclusive offers, guided tours, and hassle-free travel planning.
Cover Photo: Panoramio upload bot / Wikimedia Commons
